Bielsa’s Tactical Evolution. Introduction

In this article, we will analyze the Uruguayan national team, which is currently excelling in international competitions thanks to the work of a well-known figure, Marcelo ‘El Loco’ Bielsa. We will focus on the tactical keys of this team and examine Bielsa’s tactical evolution with Uruguay and how it may differ from his previous experience at Leeds United.

Numerical Advantage in the First Line and Attack the Back of the Following Line

Firstly, it is worth to mention Bielsa’s general idea regarding the organized attack phase. His strategy is based on generating numerical superiority in the first zone, looking for a player with enough time to trigger progressive passes. This tactical approach, already seen in his previous teams, seek to look for his players to receive the ball behind the next opposing line of players.

One of the holding midfielders looks to receive the ball behind the forwards, while wingers and advanced midfielder seek to exploit spaces behind the opposing midfield. Typically, the full-backs provide depth on the flanks, full-backs stretch the play by providing width along the flanks, which allows more players to penetrate the opponent’s defensive block, thus threatening the gaps and targeting the space behind the midfield.

Aggressive Individual Pressing

Defensively, Bielsa employs a strategy similar to that used during his tenure at Leeds. His teams typically organize in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation, where he adopts individual marking with some exceptions. For instance, forwards or attacking midfielders like Darwin Núñez and Nicolás de la Cruz are tasked with directing the pressing towards advantageous areas. A central defender often plays a pivotal role in creating numerical superiority at the back, both correcting teammates’ errors and securing the space behind the defensive line. The rest of the team maintains tight individual marking.

The Uruguayan team is known for its aggressive defense, particularly when their pressing has been surpassed. Their primary objective is to disrupt play by either regaining possession or committing a tactical foul. Otherwise, at times when they are surpassed they switch to a very active 1-4-4-2 defensive block to halt the opponent’s progress, with intense pressing when possible. This is one of the most significant ideas of Bielsa’s tactical evolution. Once they manage to disrupt the opposition’s advance, they swiftly revert to their more customary man-to-man defense.

Defensive Transition

In defensive transitions, Marcelo Bielsa adheres to a consistent strategy reminiscent of his tenure at Leeds United. Upon losing possession, players—particularly those nearest to the point of turnover—immediately engage in pressing to regain control. The closest player applies pressure to the ball carrier, while others quickly move to shut down nearby passing lanes, effectively stifling the opponent. This tactic is a definitive hallmark of Bielsa’s coaching philosophy.

Offensive Transition

In the offensive transition, an aspect that has proven highly effective in the current Copa América, Bielsa’s team demonstrates a clear priority towards attacking. This phase is marked by swift and decisive efforts to progress immediately after regaining possession. The player who retrieves the ball attempts to advance at once, either through direct dribbling or passing. Should forward spaces be unavailable due to tight defense, this player quickly seeks a teammate to continue the attack, capitalizing on the opponent’s momentary disarray. Meanwhile, teammates without the ball, positioned close to the action, energetically exploit any gaps left by the opposition. Notably, they strategically occupy all three lanes or zones of the field, ensuring a logical and effective spatial distribution.